Chinese Plum Yew
cephalotaxus fortunei
Also known as: ["Fortune's Plum Yew","Chinese Plum Yew"]
Overview
An evergreen shrub or small tree native to China, valued for its attractive, drooping foliage and adaptability to shade.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Cephalotaxaceae |
| Genus: | Cephalotaxus |
| Botanical Name: | Cephalotaxus fortunei |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; avoid sudden exposure to intense light; place in dappled shade during peak summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; avoid hot afternoon sun; adjust placement seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, acidic to neutral loamy soil
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Ensure good drainage; maintain slightly acidic pH; enrich with organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F); tolerates mild frost but avoid extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for better success.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy cuttings; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of branches to shape the plant; avoid shearing.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/damaged growth, and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune selectively, remove dead/damaged growth, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare soil, trim roots, repot carefully, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or browning in excessive heat; slow growth or needle drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause needle discoloration, and increases susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, growth may stall, and water demand increases.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, water before/after, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCephalotaxus fortunei is toxic to cats, with the seeds being the most dangerous component. The plant's alkaloids can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological distress in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe alkaloids present in Cephalotaxus fortunei are toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological symptoms. The seeds are the most toxic part due to their high alkaloid concentration.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCephalotaxus fortunei contains alkaloids that can cause significant physiological disturbances when ingested. The toxins interfere with cellular processes, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The seeds are particularly concentrated in toxic compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cephalotaxus fortunei suitable for shady gardens?
A: Yes, it is well-adapted to partial to full shade conditions.
Q: How fast does Cephalotaxus fortunei grow?
A: It has a slow to moderate growth rate, making it suitable for smaller spaces.
Q: Does Cephalotaxus fortunei require regular pruning?
A: Minimal pruning is needed; it naturally maintains a neat form.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cephalotaxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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